"Miss Black?" Dumbledore called softly as breakfast ended the next morning. "May I have a word with you? In my office?"
Sophie followed him. "I have Potions with Professor Snape first lesson…"
"That will be quite all right, Professor Snape has mentioned that you are quite the Potions student, so I trust you shall not fall behind. And I will have a word with Severus about your tardiness, so you shall not be penalized." They neared the gargoyle and this time he whispered "Ice Mice", and they entered.
"So I guess this is about what Professor Lupin and I talked about, about the dementors on the train?" Sophie piped up.
"Yes it is. I have an idea or two I thought you might like to hear, about what you experienced. But first, tell me what you felt again. Professor Lupin relayed it to me, but I want to make sure that I understood everything."
"Well, I didn't remember my worst memories or anything. I felt all this stuff that was unfamiliar. Like, I heard massive screaming and that dementor breath-sucking sound, but it was like it had been multiplied, like there were tens and hundreds of them instead of just one. And then I felt this little creature, and that brought on a huge burst of rage. And then the weirdest was this sensation, like I was melting, becoming something else."
"Hmm. Well, my possible explanation can account for most of those, I think." Fawkes let out a soft sound, and Dumbledore paused, taking his glasses off, wiping them on his sleeve, looking thoughtful. "I believe those feelings may belong to your father, Miss Black."
"My dad? But… how?"
"I have been told that you have been spending a great deal of time thinking about your father, lately. And I remember the conversation that we had about him at last year's end of term. I think that perhaps your desire to understand him has somehow tapped into his emotions and memories, allowing you some access to them in times when your own mind and emotions are weakened."
"You mean… I can read his mind?"
"The mind is not a book or story, Sophie. It is full of intricate, layered thoughts, memories, images and emotions. But in a sense, when you own mind is weak, I believe that you might be able to empathize with your father to the extent that you share a small bit of his mind's contents."
"But isn't there, a word for that?"
"Normally, the art of looking into the mind of another and interpreting the contents is called Legilimency. The opposing art of shutting your mind to such intrusion is called Occlumency. However, there are certain things that make your case quite unique. For one, Legilimency requires eye contact, and great skill. In your case, no eye contact seems to be necessary. Your desire to understand Sirius's thoughts and actions seems to be more powerful than the space dividing you two."
"But I never meant …"
"Sometimes the strongest forms of magic are the most mysterious, and the most emotional. Harry Potter's mother, for example protected him by dying for him. Love can be the strongest form of magic, stronger than the most complex charms and spells."
"So you mean… because I want to understand, empathize, I can enter his mind?"
"Not consciously. But with training, you might be able to do it at times when you are less vulnerable, at will."
"What kind of training? Can you help me? Can you teach me?"
A look of surprise crossed Dumbledore's face. "You wish to learn? I was quite ready to teach you how to not allow it to happen."
"Well, I'd like to learn both."
Dumbledore gave a curt nod. "Very well then. As long as my pupils wish to learn, I must provide a teacher. However the intrusion upon the mind of another is a very delicate matter, and you must always consider the consequences. You may see things you wish not to."
"Will he know?"
"I don't know, Sophie. I assume not. His mind is weakened by the dementors and your father was never good at keeping his emotions to himself. His temper and his explosive personality make Legilimency much easier, and to my knowledge he was not a well-accomplished Occlumens. However, if he does realize someone is breaking into his mind, I do not believe he would know who it was, and I doubt he would ever suspect you."
"So can I do it? Will you tell the Ministry?"
"Unless you can pinpoint his whereabouts, which I doubt will be the case, I believe the matter does not concern the Ministry. What do you think?"
Sophie nodded. "I agree. I just want to… know him better. As my dad." Fawkes crooned softly again. Sophie twirled the tip of her long braid between her fingers. "What if he comes into my mind?"
"You will be taught to protect your mind, and to heighten your awareness of possible intrusions."
"So when can I start?" Sophie asked eagerly, fidgeting in her seat.
"I must speak to Professor Snape. If he agrees, you shall have to work out appropriate times for the lessons. And Miss Black, I believe it would be wise to… keep quiet about what you are doing."
"Of course. But, wait. Professor Snape?! I thought you…"
"Professor Snape is one of the most highly accomplished Legilimens and Occlumens of our time. I have training in this area as well, but I believe he will be able to give you more consistent lessons than I. Sometimes I take trips out of Hogwarts, and lately I have been at the Ministry all too often dealing with the dementor issues."
"Right."
"Also, Sophie…"
"Yes, professor?"
"Do not mention to Professor Snape the exact reason for your lesson. He and your father were, er, not in the best of terms, and I don't want that to affect your lessons in any way. I will tell him that you were interested in pursuing this and you showed some promise."
"Yes, of course." Sophie couldn't help but grin at Dumbledore. He smiled back. A portrait of a former Headmaster of Hogwarts snorted and muttered, "Oh the things they teach these days".
"Thanks!" Sophie bounded out of the office with a wave, truly cheerful for the first time in months.
When she arrived in Potions, the class was half way through brewing a Swelling Solution, which had been assigned to Sophie months earlier, and successfully completed. She set down her books at the spot next to her sister, who glared at her (her potion had just started producing a thick bluish fog instead of turning orange). She whispered instructions to Vieara and raised her hand, patiently waiting for Snape.
"Miss Black? Do you think the rule for tardiness does not apply to you?"
"No, sir. Professor Dumbledore wanted to talk to me. He said he would have a word with you about it. What would you like me to do this period?"
"Seeing as you do not have enough time to prepare a potion, I will see you tonight, and you will brew me a batch of Wolfsbane Potion." He sneered at her slightly. Sophie's eyes widened and her good mood evaporated. Wolfsbane was a very complicated potion, well beyond not only O.W.L levels but also N.E.W.T. level. It was ridiculous that he ask a second year to make it! He still looked at her, expecting her to protest or refuse. But she swallowed and nodded.
"I will see you in my office at eight." He glared. She opened her Potion book, looking for anything on Wolfsbane, but it was far too advanced of a concoction for the book to feature any useful information. She opened her Charms book instead (her worst subject) and tried to read the chapter Professor Flitwick had assigned for today's lesson, which she had skipped the night before in favor of writing her Transfiguration essay.
Suddenly Adrianne Malfoy's cauldron gave a loud hiss and exploded, dousing the Syltherin section of the class with half-finished Swelling Solution and filling the dungeon with a putrid smell of dung and frog guts. Snape roared with anger, sending the Slytherins straight to the hospital wing as various parts of their bodies were already growing and changing color.
"Black! To the front of your room, turn out your pockets and your bag!" He shouted at Vieara.
"Actually, it's Ivanova." She said, grinning.
"Detention! I will see you tonight. The bedpans will need to be scrubbed after the increase in occupants of the hospital wing." He snarled. Vieara put her arms to her hips but Sophia tugged her robes before she could answer back, giving her the moment necessary to bite her tongue and force herself to keep stirring her potion.
After classes were over for the day, Vieara snuck up on Sophie who was impatiently checking her watch every minute or so, waiting for eight. "D'you want to go out with me? I want to practice flying and McGonagall told me off for going out alone last time."
"Yeah, alright." Sophie went into the dormitory and uncovered her broomstick, lying under a pile of shoes under her bed.
They went down to the grounds, steering clear of the Whomping Willow and Hagrid's hut. They'd never met the gamekeeper, and he sort of intimidating. The Slytherin team was practicing on the Pitch, so they found an empty clearing near the edge of the forest and mounted their brooms. Vieara rocketed off, climbing altitude quickly and agilely. Sophie kind of floated about fifteen feet off the ground, enjoying the view. Vieara tossed a small ball at her and she tried to catch it but it tumbled to the ground. Vieara shot off after it, diving to retrieve it. Sophie tossed it to her, then got bored and landed. Vieara kept flying, circling, doing crazy swooping moves. Her sister sat at the edge of the forest, watching her.
Suddenly, something sneezed behind her. She turned and caught sight of a great pair of large porcelain blue eyes.
"Snuffles?" She asked, cautiously, astonished.
The animal was hidden in the shadows of the trees, invisible except for its eyes. It seemed to hesitate, then slowly stepped forward. It was Snuffles. His coat was matted again and he looked awfully skinny. He yelped quietly and but stopped, as if refusing to go out onto the clearing. Sophie stepped toward him.
"Hey boy. How did you know I was here?" She ruffled his fur, scratching behind his ears. He licked her fingers and wagged his tail excitedly.
"Smart dog!" She praised, sitting next to him. He stepped into her crossed legs, and she put her arms around him. He moved onto licking her face and she laughed.
"Doggy breath!" She pushed him into a lying position, petting his bony frame. "You hungry?"
He barked in agreement.
"Don't worry, I'll bring you something from the kitchens. We're not allowed to have dogs, or I'd take you in. But only cats, owls and toads. Really unfair, huh?" Snuffles nodded and yelped.
"Soph? You in there?" Vieara's voice sounded worried. Snuffles yelped happily at the sound of it, but Sophie shushed him.
"Yeah, I'm coming. Just got a little distracted, saw some bowtruckles." She answered, getting up.
"I'll come back with some food for you, okay?" She whispered to Snuffles. He gave a little whimper and turned, trotting deeper into the forest.
After supper, Sophie had just enough time to sneak some drumsticks and chips out to Snuffles before her extra Potions lesson with Snape. She trotted back to the castle after leaving Snuffles happily munching, and had joined her sister in Snape's office just before the clock hit eight.
He walked into the room menacingly, his dark robe fluttering around him. Vieara looked bored. He snapped his fingers at her.
"I thought I told you to do your detention in the hospital wing, Black."
"Ivanova." Vieara corrected, but before he could tell her off for answering back she had turned and walked out of the room. Sophie stood, patiently waiting to see if the extra Potions lesson might miraculously turn into a Legilimency lesson instead.
"Dumbledore has informed me of your wishes to study Legilimency and Occlumency, Sophia." She nodded. "He has asked that instead of having you brew Wolfsbane tonight I give you your first lesson. So you shall write two rolls of parchment on the potion instead, and be prepared to brew it next month."
"Yes, sir."
"Before we begin…" Snape wandered over to his desk, touching the tip of his wand to his temple. He drew out an interesting silvery substance and poured it into a stone basin sitting on his desk. Sophie watched, amazed at the consistency and color. Might this be a thought? A memory?
But Snape had no interest in explaining himself, and Sophie was not stupid enough to ask. He took a step toward her, raising his wand.
"We will begin with Occlumency. Let's see how strong your defenses are."
"How do I do it, sir?"
"You shall try to empty your mind and seal your thoughts to me. You may use whatever spell you can to protect yourself. On three."
Sophie raised her wand and tried to empty her mind. Her sister's sharp dives and their fights floated to the top of her mind, but she tried to suppress them before Snape hit three and shouted "Legilimens!"
Sophie felt as if his wand was opening a crack in her head. She tried to force him out, but it was too strong, her memories were streaming out, leaking. She saw flashes of Vieara shouting at her and the two of them climbing trees. She saw Snuffles peeking at her in the meadow, the Sorting Hat being placed on her head. The trickle of memories was becoming more of a flood, and she felt her head sear with pain. She suddenly raised her wand and shouted "Expelliaramus" in a last effort to shut him out. The pressure on her head stopped. Snape was holding his wand by the very tip, as it had almost flown out of his fingers.
"Not bad, for the first time. But you let me in too deep. You have to fight me at the first sign of intrusion. And empty your mind fully. Ready?"
"Just a moment." Sophie stuffed a piece of a Chocolate Frog in her mouth and offered a piece to Snape. He reluctantly took it, looking slightly shocked, as if she had offered him poison. They swallowed and Sophie nodded. She found it easier to clear her head this time. It was kind of like, meditating.
"Leglimens!" Snape shouted again, but Sophie fought harder. She felt a pressure, but this time she held him off for more than a minute before another stream of memories began.
"Much better." He stopped on his own this time.
"Sir, can I try Legilimency now?"
"You're tired. You'd do better when you're fresh and rested."
"Please?"
He surveyed her for a long moment. Her hairline was damp and her cheeks pale, but there was a stubborn glint in her eye.
"Alright. Raise you wand, say the incantation. You must want to break into my mind with all your being. If you don't want it enough, it'll never happen." Sophie nodded.
"Legilimens!" She shouted, pushing her desire to learn into the spell. Snape held strong, but so did she. She kept her gaze and wand steady and waited for him to weaken. He did the same. Sophie's strength wavered, but as soon as she left Snape fight back, she pushed again with a force she didn't know she had. A tiny stream of thoughts came rushing into her head. She felt a hatred and saw Harry Potter sitting in a Potions lesson, and then… she was shut out again, her energy sapped. She lowered her wand and struggled not to collapse. Snape made a quick movement toward her, lead her by the arm to his chair.
"Sit. Do you have any more chocolate?" She nodded, splitting another Chocolate Frog with him. He was so different that in Potions lessons when they were alone. Less snappy, definitely. Not nice exactly, but definitely an improvement.
"Impressive," He said quietly, in a non-praising kind of matter-of-fact voice. "Not very many twelve year old wizards could do what you just did, Sophia. If you didn't look so much like him, I'd say you had nothing to do with Black."
Sophie stayed quiet. What could her father have possibly done to have Snape hate him so much? Her mind replayed the comment, and she realized the compliment. "It wasn't that good. You saw all my memories and I nearly fainted the last time."
"I could have seen much more." She knew he'd seen the fights she'd been having with her sister and mum, and she sat awkwardly, hoping he wouldn't say anything about them.
"Thank you, professor."
"Certainly. Next week, same time, same place."
Sophie lingered. "Um, professor? Could we maybe have one sooner?"
Snape looked surprised, but nodded. "Alright. Thursday afternoon. Five?"
She nodded and waved goodbye as she left. Snape shook his head, ready to place his thoughts back into his head from the Pensieve. The Black twins would never cease to amaze him with their bi-polar, opposing personalities.
Vieara spent the next few weeks on the Quidditch Pitch venting her anger at Sirius and Snape, until she landed in the hospital wing with a leg broken in three different places. Sophie retreated into herself, not hanging out with Ginny very much, mostly sitting in her dormitory reading and trying to practice Legilimency. She found an odd sense of accomplishment at being the only Gryffindor Snape didn't outwardly despise, and despite her initial dislike for his frosty attitude, she realized she enjoyed his lessons and the sense of pride she got when he gave her a few rare words of praise.
On Halloween Sirius Black broke into the castle, and Vieara was forbidden from stepping foot on the Pitch, as she was not on a Quidditch team. Angry at yet another manner in which her father was ruining her life, Vieara spent her energy in plotting pranks with the Weasley twins that almost always ended up targeting Snape, so Vieara spent most of her lesson-free time in detentions, until her section of files in Filch's office threatened to take up most of an entire drawer. Sophie was too tired to join in her sister's antics and absolutely refused to play pranks on Snape, so the tension between them only grew.